Tips for Students
Stay curious and open-minded. You may start a project for a class requirement but end up wanting to publish your work!
Be proactive— ask faculty about research opportunities. Many professors would love to work with students but may not actively recruit them. Reach out and express your interest!
Communicate clearly and consistently. Regular check-ins with your faculty mentor will help keep your project moving forward and ensure that both of you are aligned on goals and expectations.
Manage your time wisely. Balancing coursework, clinicals, and research can be challenging. Set a realistic schedule and communicate with your faculty advisor to stay on track.
Take advantage of opportunities to present your research. Poster presentations and publications can boost your professional development and help you build connections in the field.
Prioritize your health— get some sleep! Taking care of yourself is just as important as your studies. Well-rested students learn more effectively and perform better in research and clinical work.
Table 1: Advice for future collaborators
Tips for Faculty
Talk about your research in class. Many students don’ t realize undergraduate research is an option. Sharing your interests and ongoing projects can spark curiosity and encourage students to get involved.
Be open to student inquiries. If a student asks about research, take the time to explore their interests.
Provide a roadmap for the research process. Students may not realize how many steps are involved in a study— from IRB approval to data collection and analysis.
Start projects early. Giving students more time to explore their questions leads to deeper learning, better research outcomes, and a more meaningful experience.
Set clear expectations from the start. Outline the time commitment, responsibilities, and goals to ensure students understand what’ s expected and how they can contribute meaningfully.
Acknowledge the time commitment— but know it’ s worth it. Mentoring students adds to an already packed schedule. However, the rewards— seeing students develop a passion for research and continue it beyond graduation— are invaluable.
References
Eiswirth, E., & Fry, A.( 2022). Faculty-student authorship: opportunities and challenges. Journal of Professional Nursing, 42, 106-110. https:// doi. org / 10.1016 / j. profnurs. 2022.06.009
Melnyk, B. M., Fineout-Overholt, E., Stillwell, S. B., & Williamson, K. M.( 2009). Igniting a spirit of inquiry: An essential foundation for evidence-based practice. American Journal of Nursing, 109( 11), 49-52. https:// doi. org / 10.1097 / 01. NAJ. 0000363354.53883.58
Mitchell, K., Rekiere, J., & Grassley, J. S.( 2020). The influence of undergraduate research assistant experiences on future nursing roles. Journal of Professional Nursing, 36( 3), 128-133. https:// doi. org / 10.1016 / j. profnurs. 2019.09.006
Riccio, G. & Solorio, C., April 5, 2024, The Correlation Between COVID-19, Nurses ' Mental Health, and Medication Administration Errors Made by Nurses [ Poster session ], National Student Nurses ' Association Annual Convention, Orlando, FL
Slattery, M. J., Logan, B. L., Mudge, B., Secore, K., Von Reyn, L. J., & Maue, R. A.( 2016). An undergraduate research fellowship program to prepare nursing students for future workforce roles. Journal of Professional Nursing, 32( 6), 412-420. https:// doi. org / 10.1016 / j. profnurs. 2016.03.008
Bio
Ava Kotliar, is a nursing student at Iona University’ s NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences. She is expected to graduate in May 2025. She is an honors student who just completed her thesis " Long-Term Effects of Adolescent Acne: A Link to Negative Self-Image in Young Adults." She is interested in advancing her research and exploring new topics to enhance her future career and advocate for improved patient outcomes. In her free time, she participates in Iona ' s Club Volleyball team and the Fashion Club.
Christy M. G. Solorio, PhD, MS, RN, CNE, CPN, is the Assistant Director and an Assistant Professor for the BS in Nursing program at Iona University’ s NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences. She teaches courses in research, pediatrics, and a first-year seminar course, " Social Justice in Healthcare." Her research focuses on the use of generative AI in higher education and enhancing nursing curricula to better prepare graduates to meet the unique healthcare needs of the LGBTQ + population.
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